Spring Read Thing 2012

Spring, also known as "mild summer," is now in full effect here in Florida.  Our highs have been in the high 80's, and the humidity, well, let's just say we all carry hair bands and such because there's really no point in trying.  The snow birds will be heading home soon, so maybe traffic will lighten up a bit.  (Sorry, I just read that last sentence and had a laughing attack.)  In reality, I want to hitch a ride with the snowbirds.  Hey--maybe they need someone to read to them full-time!  ( I come with a cat.  Will read for chocolate.  Any takers? )

This leads me to the stunning realization that Spring started on Monday (No wonder that day felt like it would never end!), which also means it's the start of the Spring Read Thing 2012!  Katrina over at Callapidder Days hosts this wonderful event each year.  If you're interested, stop by her site and read this post to learn what it's about.

Since "Senior Season" is starting soon, I figure I should keep a rather small list because I already have to schedule time to sleep or it just isn't going to happen for me.  This is what I hope to read before the blasting furnace of a season, also known as summer, starts.


Fresh-Brewed Life by Nicole Johnson


Simple Secrets to a Happy Life by Luci Swindoll


Stand by Me by Neta Jackson


Stalker in the Shadows by Camy Tang

Gravestone by Travis Thrasher

Three to Get Deadly by Janet Evanovich


My eyes are usually bigger than my time allotted, but it's always nice to dream.  What are you reading this spring?  I hope it's something fabulous!

Fall Into Reading 2011

I know the calendar says that it is now Fall, but my thermostat and I strongly disagree.  It's still roughly 900 degrees here in Florida and the humidity makes it incredibly hard to breathe.  (Whoever said Florida was a great place to live was probably only here for vacation.)  No, relief probably will not arrive for quite a few months, if ever.




Despite the nasty weather here, it's still time to jump into the Fall Into Reading 2011 challenge, sponsored by Katrina at Callapidder Days.  Create your list of books and sign up here.  There are even going to be giveaways!  Reading books and possibly winning something, can it get any better?

I always make a huge list and never end up reading all of the books, so this year I'm going to try and curb my list a bit since I'm working two jobs now and do not have much time left for my "fun stuff" like reading.

With the exception of a few books I've requested to review and haven't heard about yet, here is my list for the challenge:

Double Trouble (PJ Sugar series #2) by Susan May Warren

Licensed for Trouble (PJ Sugar series #3) by Susan May Warren

Mercy Come Morning by Lisa Tawn Bergren

Beyond the Grave (Past Midnight series #3) by Mara Purnhagen

Too Close to Home (ebook) by Lynette Eason

Borderline by Allan Stratton

Bruiser by Neal Shusterman

Dirty Little Secrets by C. J. Omolou

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins


I hope you decide to join the challenge.  Remember, you don't have to have a blog to partake in the fun.  Let me know if you do decide to particpate.  Happy Reading!

Spring Read Thing 2011

Can you believe that it's Spring already?  In Florida, we had "Winter" (cooler weather--in the 50s) for a few weeks over the past couple of months, but we've completely skipped the Spring weather and moved to Summer.  In fact, we were in the high 80's this weekend, with no relief in sight.  Yippee.  (Yes, that is said with lots of sarcasm.)

In any case, Spring Break is still over a month away and I have a pile of books that I want to read before we enter the true Summer season.  Thankfully, Katrina over at Callapidder Days is hosting the Spring Read Thing 2011, which means I can put my plan into action.  (Yes, I fell on my face in the Fall because I didn't write a wrap-up post, but that's okay because this is a low-pressure reading goal.)

Here are some of the books I would like to read between March 20 and June 20, 2011:

The Cowboy's Touch by Denise Hunter
I requested to review this title.  Cowboy's are the "in" topic for reading this year, and since I'm a cowgirl at heart (hey, I was born in Texas)I can't wait to read about this Cowboy.

The Reluctant Detective by Martha Ockley
I requested to review this book because I am a sucker for mysteries.  I love learning about all of the investigating techniques no matter what the time-period.  I blame it all on Nancy Drew.

Gold of Kings by Davis Bunn
I won this book to review through LibraryThing and it has a ton of action and suspense in it.  It seems to be mixture of the movies Sahara and National Treasure. 

Beneath a Starlet Sky by Amanda Goldberg and Ruthanna Khalighi Hopper
I won this book to review through GoodReads.  It's not my normal style of reading which is exactly why I signed up for it.

Digitalis (Discarded Heroes #2) by Ronie Kendig
I won this book in a giveaway from Dineen Miller's blog.  I LOVED the first book in the Discarded Heroes series, but this one is about my favorite character from that book-"Cowboy."

I Dare You: Embrace Life with Passion by Joyce Meyer
I started this book awhile back, but I haven't made it very far.  You see, I suffer from bouts of depression and I thought this book might be an excellent jump-start to get myself out of the funk I'm in when I start feeling depressed.  Needless to say, I don't feel much like reading when I'm in that phase, so I haven't made it too far on this book.  My hope is that I can put this funk behind me and learn from the principles Joyce Meyers writes.  After all, I am an adventurous person and I do want to "embrace life."

Powers (#2)by John B. Olsen
I won this book to review through LibraryThing, but since it's book #2 in the series, I felt I needed to purchase book #1 and read them in order.

Shade (#1)by John B. Olsen
Book #1 in the series, the cover looks interesting so I think it may be a good book.  At least I hope, especially since I need to read and review book #2.

Feng Shui for You and Your Cat by Alison Daniels
Don't even start me on this one.  It was a Christmas present several years ago and since I will have to move over the summer (rent is going up too high), I thought it might be interesting to see what the Eastern cultures have to say about placement of items in the home.

Angel by James Patterson
The Maximum Ride series started off pretty good, but since Patterson has teamed up with other writers, it's kind of gone downhill.  Aside from Fang, Angel is one of the other characters I'm intrigued by, so I picked this book up at the local Border's store (which is now gone) and will add it to my school's library collection after I'm done.

Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
Another YA book that I picked up.  I've heard a lot of conversations bout this book over the blogging world, so figured I should read it to see what it's all about before I add it to our collection.

Call Me Irresistible by Susan Elizabeth Phillips
I won this book off of  Library Love Fest and I'm excited about reading the book.  The author has a quirky sense of humor (you should see her video about the book)  and I hope it reflects in her writing.



Smokin' Six-Shooter by B.J. Daniels
I received this one for free from Harlequin through their Ambassadors program.  Once again, there's a cowboy theme, so I'm interested in reading more about this "Smokin' Six-Shooter."

Save the Date by Jenny B. Jones
I recently ordered this book because I LOVE Jenny's humor in he writing.  Anyone that can make me laugh so hard I almost shoot water out my nose while reading is a "keeper" in my book. She normally writes YA lit, but on occasion she ventures into the adult world and writes chic-lit.  Can't wait to see this one in my mailbox!

The rest of this list are the book on this year's Florida Teens Read list that I haven't read yet.  Most of the books sound pretty good, but there are so many other books that  want to read--many of which have been sitting on my shelves forever, that I keep putting these off:

Brutal by Michael Harmon

Candor by Pam Bachorz

If I Stay by Gayle Forman

North of Beautiful by Justina Chen Headley

Purple Heart by Patricia McCormick

The Secret Story of Sonia Rodriquez by Alan Lawrence Sitomer

Willow by Julia Hoban



Of course my list will probably completely change (except for the books I'm reading to review), so don't be too surprised if in June you see something different.
 
 

 If you're interested in joining, here's a link you'll want to check out.  Please let me know if you've signed up as I always love to read with friends.  Now, go create your list and Happy Reading!

Happy Fall Y'All!

I realize that I live in Florida, but I was kind of hoping that the temperature would at least drop some since today is the first day of Fall.  Unfortunately, it was in the 90s.  Oh well, so much for cooler weather.  The good news is that we are supposed to be getting some rain from the Tropical Storms/Hurricanes, so maybe that will cool things off around here.

Since it is the first day of Fall, that also means it's time for our Fall Into Reading 2010 challenge hosted by Katrina over at Callapidder Days.  Do you have your reading list created yet?

I always have more books on my list than I can possibly read and this year is no exception.  Since it's a new school year, I have the new Florida Teens Read books to go through, I also have several book tours to do, our school's teacher book club selections, and then I still have books that I've started and haven't had a chance to finish.  Needless to say, I have a HUGE list.  here are just a few of the books I'll be working on reading this Fall:















































                                                                                                 




































































It's Your Call by Gary Barkalow
The Baby Bible Christmas Storybook by Robin Currie
The Perfect Blend by Trish Perry

I'll probably add to this list, but this is where I'm starting.  What are you reading this Fall?  I'm always looking for suggestions add to my TBR pile.  Hit me up in the comments section and Happy Reading!!

Fall Into Reading Challenge 2009 Wrap-Up

It's hard to believe that Fall has flown by and Winter is now here. It's times like these that I'm very grateful to live in Florida, especially when I see the snow storms hitting up north. (Thank you Lord for the sunshine and humidity.)

In any case, when the Fall Into Reading Challenge began this year, I made a short list of books I wanted to read, which you can find at this posting. Needless to say, I was able to read all three of the books, as well as several others during the reading challenge. Now I know you're thinking, three books, really? But truly, with all of the craziness in my life lately, three books is a BIG deal.

In any case, I'm glad I didn't over plan my list because I always feel terrible when I'm not able to read all of the books on my list. Call me an overachiever, but when I set out to do something, I always want to go above and beyond what is expected--even if it is a challenge I issue to myself.

I hope everyone else had the same feeling of success that I did after this challenge was over. Thank you to Katrina at Callapidder Days for hosting this event each year. (If you've never participated in one of her reading challenges, they're great fun and she usually holds giveaways each week from various publishing houses.)

Until the next challenge--Happy Reading!

Fall Into Reading Challenge 2009

Can you believe that it's already Fall? I know that's what it says on the calendar, but aside from the much-needed rain, the temperatures have been relentless in Florida. It makes me pine for the cooler weather of when I lived in the northern states. But it lasts a short while when I start to remember my runny nose and the never-ending days of not being able to stay warm. Yuck!

The first day of Fall also means that it's the first day of the Fall Reading Challenge that's sponsored by Katrina at Callapidder Days. I must admit, I "failed miserably" in the Spring Challenge because I ended up missing the ending of the challenge and then not even posting a wrap-up of the books I did manage to finish reading. I had planned on posting a wrap-up over Summer, but time flew by and here we are already at the Fall Challenge--good grief! (Is anyone else experiencing this time warp too?)

While Fall is going to be especially busy with having to work Howl-O-Scream (HOS) again at Busch Gardens, participating in NanoWriMo for the first time, visiting New Orleans for the first time, and planning our school's Poetry Jam amidst all of the "other" school functions, I do plan on taking some time for myself to read a few books between today and December 22, when the Reading Challenge ends.

My list will probably change a bit--depending upon the books I choose to review and the books our teacher book club chooses, but here is my starter list:

Double Cross by James David Jordan--I read Forsaken last year and this is the sequel. I can't wait to find out what happens to Taylor next.

Perfect Piece by Rebeca Seitz--Book 4 in the Sister's Ink series. If you like scrapbooking or know someone who does--this is the series for them. I have my suspicions about what is going to happen in this book based on "incidents" in the other books, so this will be a fun read to find out if I'm right.

No Plot? No Problem! A Low-Stress, High-Velocity Guide to Writing a Novel in 30 Days by Chris Baty--He's the founder of National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo), so I figure he's got to know what he's talking about, right? I was also hoping for some writing inspiration since the creativity fairy has moved on with her knapsack of playful ideas and 50,000 words is colossal! (I haven't written anything even remotely resembling a story since my creative writing class my first semester of college. Even then, the teacher "assigned" us topics, so it wasn't like I came up with the idea from scratch.) In any case, I'm hoping that this book will at least make me feel better about attempting to write something--even if Madison is the only one who ever reads it.


This is my list so far. If you're participating in the Reading Challenge, or even in NaNoWriMo, let me know! I always love to read book lists because there are always wonderful new books to discover and enjoy AND I could always use a writing buddy! Happy Reading!

Fall Into Reading Challenge 2008 Wrap-Up

I must admit--I failed miserably in the challenge to read all of the books on my list. I think the only books that I actually did read through were the ones for the blog tours I've done, or the blog tours that are coming up.

Here's my original list of books:

Florida Teen Reads Titles for 2008-2009:
Avalon High by Meg Cabot
Boot Camp by Todd Strasser
The Christopher Killer by Alane Ferguson
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Deadline by Chris Crutcher
Firestorm by David Klass
Incantation by Alice Hoffman
Life As We Knew It by Susan Pfeffer
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
The Nature of Jade by Deb Caletti
Street Love by Walter Dean Myers
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
What Happened to Cass McBride? by Gail Giles
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr


From My TBR Pile:
Single Sashimi by Camy Tang
Forsaken by James David Jordan
Cathy's Book by Sean Stewart and Jordan Weisman

Here's what I actually (in no particular order) read during the challenge. (If there's a link, then I've posted my review there. Otherwise, I'll put out a few words below each title.)

Single Sashimi by Camy Tang

Forsaken by James David Jordan

Ripple Effect: Time Thriller Trilogy Book #1 by Paul McCusker

Infidel (Graphic Novel): The Lost Books volume 2 by Ted Dekker

Leave It to Chance by Sherri Sand

Eternity's Edge: Echoes From the Edge series book #2 by Bryan Davis

Carter House Girls #3: Homecoming Queen by Melody Carlson
Carter House Girls #4: Viva Vermont! by Melody Carlson
Both Carter House Girls books are very quick reads geared towards the teenaged set. They're a Christian version of Gossip Girl and the It Girl series of books out there. I loved both books--although you'll probably want to read the first two books in the series to get the back stories on the girls. However, I think you'll fall in love with the feisty DJ as her grandmother has "taken in" other girls from various backgrounds as a "finishing school." The girls must learn to live together despite their many differences.

A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
This book has been on my TBR list for quite some time, and I probably would not have read it except for the fact that our school book club decided to choose it as one of their books to read for the month. (That, and it's a Teens Read book this year, so I would have eventually sat down to read it.)

I'm glad that I did read it because it's a gripping and somewhat heartbreaking story about the life of a woman in the middle east. You get two ladies from very different backgrounds whose lives tie together in strange circumstances so that they must work together through their problems in life.

I must admit, I did enjoy this book--albeit a little slow in some places--once you realize how the two women's lives fit together you won't want to put it down. Reading this book has made me more aware of the cultural differences between the treatment of women (they're more like cattle than people, as opposed to my own ability to speak out about whatever I feel like. I would have probably been killed by the time I was 5 because I've always been outspoken.) If you've been on the fence about reading this book--get off of it and go buy it or check it out from the library!

Frontier Courtship by Valerie Hansen
A very quick read sent to me by Harlequin to read and answer a few survey questions about it. Obviously it takes place during the frontier times and it's a Christian romance novel. Faith and Charity have just lost everything--including their mother--to a tornado that has hit their home. Now venturing off across the wild frontier, they must fight to survive this perilous journey in search for their father who left to find gold in the gold mines. Unfortunately, the wagon train leader is out for money, which he thinks Faith and Charity will have plenty of when they find their father, and he's looking to score for himself. Funny how--his previous love interests have died or disappeared mysteriously.

The Journey Home by Linda Ford
Another quick read for me to review by Harlequin. This book is also a Christian romance and a work of historic fiction that takes place during the Dust Bowl era. Half-breed Kody Douglas stumbles upon Charlotte Porter purely by accident as he tries to escape the raging dust storm outside of what he thought was an abandoned house. Charlotte's brother and his family decided to find other lodgings and promised to send for her as soon as they were able--which was well over a week ago. With no place to go, Kody reluctantly decides to take Charlotte to his parents home--a place where Kody was trying to escape from forever. Why is Kody running from his past? Will Charlotte ever be reunited with her brother? You'll have to read it to find out!

Gatekeepers: Dreamhouse Kings Series Book #3 by Robert Liparulo
(Go read the first two books in the series because this is a definite must read! Review to be posted on January 2!)

The Christopher Killer by Alane Ferguson
At the time of this posting, I'm about a hundred pages out from the end of the story. This series is a cross of CSI and Nancy Drew. Cammie's father is the town of Silverton's coroner and Cammie wants to become a forensics pathologist--just like her dad. When he finally decides to hire her, a body of a young girl is found face down on a hiking trail in the woods. Cammie and her father rush right over, and the identity of the girl turns out to be someone that Cammie knows from town. Is this new death a result of the Christopher Killer? Is he killer still nearby or has he/she left town in search of a new victim? (After all, St. Christopher is supposed to be the saint of travelers.) You'll have to read the book to find out!

I will be doing a book tour for this book VERY soon so keep your eyes peeled for the tour. I'll also be giving away the first two books in her Forensic Mystery series: The Christopher Killer and The Angel of Death!

If you're interested in asking Ms. Ferguson questions about writing and her new books, please leave your questions in the comments area of this posting by midnight (EST) on December 27, 2008, and I'll post the answers when I post an interview with her during the book tour.


Well, I'm off to find out who the Christopher Killer might be--I have a couple of ideas! Let me know what you think about any of these books--or books you may have read for the challenge. And remember to post your questions for Alane Ferguson by next Saturday!! Happy Reading!

Fall In Reading 2008 Challenge

Can you believe it's finally here?! The challenge starts today (September 22) and ends December 20! It's not too late to sign up! Join Katrina over at Callapidder Days and the rest of us "reading" bloggers for this challenge, and the chance to win FREE books weekly through Bethany House Publishers!

If you've glanced through my lists in the past (Spring 2007; Fall 2007; Spring 2008), you'll notice that I tend to come up with a HUGE list of books to read for each challenge. I really can't help it--I LOVE to read and my TBR pile now takes up a room (!) so I have to aim high.



This Fall's list includes....

Florida Teen Reads Titles for 2008-2009:
Avalon High by Meg Cabot
Boot Camp by Todd Strasser
The Christopher Killer by Alane Ferguson
City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
Deadline by Chris Crutcher
Firestorm by David Klass
Incantation by Alice Hoffman
Life As We Knew It by Susan Pfeffer
A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah
The Nature of Jade by Deb Caletti
Street Love by Walter Dean Myers
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
What Happened to Cass McBride? by Gail Giles
Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr


From My TBR Pile:
Single Sashimi by Camy Tang
Forsaken by James David Jordan
Cathy's Book by Sean Stewart and Jordan Weisman



I'm sure I'll add others as we go along, but this is it so far. I can't wait to see the awesome reading lists that others have on their blogs! (I always get the best book ideas from them--especially Annie--who just happens to be one of the "younger" readers in the group.--She likes Nancy Drew too!)

Come join the fun! Let me know if you decide to participate...maybe we'll have some of the same books on our lists and we can read them together. Happy Reading!

Happy Spring-Read Thing!

Happy first day of Spring! The weather here is beautiful in sunny Florida (despite the overnight rain showers) and the wind is just enough of a breeze that the humidity is not overwhelming! Flowers will start blooming and the birds will start chirping...oops, I've obviously confused myself with someone up north--the flowers are always blooming and the birds are always chirping here. :) Spring Break is in a couple of weeks--Yahoo!!! Life is peachy (with the exception of my Interent connection) with a hint of sweet tea! Come on over if you're sick of the weather in your area--we'll leave the air on for you!

Ok--I'm done. I think.

The real reason for this post is to let you know that Katrina over at Callapidder Days is hosting another Spring Read Thing again. It starts today and runs through June 19th. The books I have chosen to read for this Spring's challenge are:

The Bully by Paul Langan (DONE!)
The Gun by Paul Langan (DONE!)
Until We Meet Again by Anne Schraff (DONE!)
Blood Is Thicker by Paul Langan and D.M. Blackwell (DONE!)
Brothers In Arms by Paul Langan and Ben Alirez (DONE!)
Summer of Secrets by Paul Langan (DONE!)
The Fallen by Paul Langan (DONE!)
Shattered by Paul Langan (DONE!)
Search for Safety by John Langan (DONE!)
Caitlin #1: Becoming Me by Melody Carlson
Caitlin#2: It's My Life by Melody Carlson
Caitlin#3: Who I Am by Melody Carlson
Caitlin#4: On My Own by Melody Carlson
Caitlin#5: I Do! by Melody Carlson
On the Loose by Jenny B. Jones
In Between by Jenny B. Jones
The Coffin Quilt by Ann Rinaldi (DONE!)
Amber Morn by Brandilyn Collins (DONE!)
The Restorer by Sharon Hinck
The Restorer's Son by Sharon Hinck
The Restorer's Journey by Sharon Hinck

I'll have to add the picture of my list as soon as I can stay online for more than a few minutes at a time. I'll also put some links together for these books. Most of them are YA books that I'm reading for work, and the others are ones that I want to read for me. :) I'm sure I'll add other books to my list because I told one of my girls at school that I would read two books and create quizzes on them for her so she could take them for her reading class. (Don't get me started on that topic...)

In any case, I can't wait to see what everyone else is reading. I always get such great titles to add to my TBR pile. Let me know if you decide to join--I wanna steal titles from your list! Happy Reading!